Member Article

Grand opening for pioneering homeless centre in Coventry

Whitefriars Housing, together with affordable housing contractor, Wates Living Space, has opened the doors to a new residential support and training complex for the homeless in Hillfields, Coventry.

The multi-million-pound ‘Gateway’ development has been purpose-designed to help local homeless people achieve independent living and improve their employment prospects through the provision of intensive, practical support.

Gateway was officially opened at a celebratory event held on Thursday (30 July). Partners and neighbouring agencies were given the chance to tour the completed flagship scheme and listen to talks given by residents who have already benefited from the support it provides.

Built by Wates Living Space on behalf of Whitefriars Housing, Gateway stands on a former industrial site on Adelaide Street. The state-of-the-art facility provides 61 studio flats and two one-bedroom apartments.

Completion of the scheme marks the conclusion of a 17-month construction programme by Wates Living Space, during which £350,000 of local economic benefit was generated by spend with local businesses and suppliers.

A further £185,000 was traded with social enterprise businesses, including Argonaut Community Enterprises and the Furniture Resource Group.

An £80,000 programme of community engagement saw four local apprentices employed to work on the project and a variety of education activities delivered, including support for Sidney Stringer School. The project team also volunteered time and materials to carry out landscaping at Hillfields Square

Lee Sale, Regional Business Director at Wates Living Space, commented: “It is very rewarding to see that the extensive efforts made by our team have created such meaningful and sustainable benefit for the local community. This scheme is going to be a pioneering force to change the lives of those who need support so it is very fitting that the wider community has had the opportunity to reap the benefits from day one.”

Catherine Collis, Assistant Director at Whitefriars Housing, said: “It’s great to see our vision has become a reality. This partnership facility ushers in a real change in Coventry’s homelessness approach and will help make sure that some of our most vulnerable residents get support to not only avoid sleeping in unsafe places, but also address the reasons why they need emergency accommodation.”

The project was part-funded by a £2.1m grant from the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency with the additional £3.9m funded by Whitefriars Housing.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Helen Salvin .